We explain why you might need readers sooner than you thought.
Remember your grandfather’s reading glasses? They were huge and bulky, possibly hung from his neck on a lanyard. Well, thankfully, reading glasses have come a long way since then. First, they are now referred to simply as readers, so get it right. And there are now a ton of incredibly chic options to choose from and plenty of ways to customize them.
Optometrist Robert Layman, OD, told us that’s great news because many of us should already have a pair handy. And if you don’t, an optometrist can easily help you find a pair that works for you during your annual eye appointment. LensCrafter’s optometrist Julie Hively, OD, also mentions that practitioners can personalize your lenses with anti-reflective coating and/or blue-violet light filtering technology.
When you’ll likely start needing reading glasses
“Generally speaking, most people begin having problems seeing small print sometime after age 40, and these problems gradually worsen with age,” says Layman, the president of the American Optometric Association. And that change is just a natural part of getting older.
When we enter our 40s, the lenses in our eyes gradually lose their ability to focus due to a condition called presbyopia. “Initially, you may need to hold reading materials farther away to see them more clearly, or you may need to remove your glasses to see better up close,” Layman says. “You may notice your eyes feel tired more quickly when reading. You may even start to get headaches when reading or using a computer extensively.”
What type of readers to get
Thankfully, a good pair of reading glasses should fix that. Progressives, which have multiple prescriptions built into the lens and can be comfortably worn all day, are the most popular type of readers, Layman says. These will enhance your distance, intermediate, and near vision without having to don multiple pairs of glasses for each need, Hively explains.
A high-quality pair of reading glasses will have lenses that “maximize the usable portion of the lens and minimize the distortion on the side.” You should visit an eye doctor to determine your prescription and if over-the-counter readers are the right option for you, Layman says.
Hively also recommends getting a pair of sunglasses, which you can get in the form of readers, to protect your eyes. “Most people don’t realize that UV damage is cumulative over our lifetime,” she says. “Proper non-prescription and prescription sunglasses will filter 99.9 percent of UVA and UVB light.”
For those of you who already know how strong a pair of reading glasses you need and are looking for an upgrade, we also spoke with Kim Nemser, chief product and supply chain officer at Warby Parker, for tips on finding glasses that fit your personal style. For her, finding the perfect pair means that comfort, proper fit, and personal style are all considered.
Best Reading Glasses for Men and Women
Warby Parker Amelia Glasses
Warby Parker
“We’re seeing classic cat eye and oval silhouettes trending,” Nemser says. She says opting for a colorful pair, like this tortoise pair with a pop of purple, adds an unexpected touch to an outfit. If you prefer something more neutral, she also recommends sleek wire styles in the same shape.
Pair Eyewear
Pair Eyewear
Clip-on sunglasses can look bulky, but Pair has managed to make them hardly noticeable. Instead of actual clips, their sunglasses attach magnetically to your glasses frames, creating a sleek look. Plus, you can choose toppers from different colors and patterns, giving you endless options for styling your specs.
Ray-Ban Hexagonal Sunglasses
LensCrafters
Like Hively mentioned, protecting your eyes from the sun is extremely important, no matter the time of year. This pair by Ray-Ban is similar to a pair Katie has, and you can customize the lenses to make them prescription or readers, all while preserving the UV protection.
Caddis Hooper Glasses
Caddis
Want to copy Katie’s exact look? She loves these ’70s-inspired frames from Caddis. You can get them as readers, prescription glasses, or sunglasses, and they also come in a gunmetal color if gold isn’t your color. Nemser gives these her stamp of approval, too, saying oval-shaped frames like this are extremely trendy right now.
OLIEYE Cat Eye Reading Glasses
Amazon
Looking to buy a bunch of pairs to swap out seasonally or depending on your outfit? If so, you probably don’t want to overspend. This ever-so-slightly retro pair — which is available on Amazon — pays respect to the Mad Men era without looking costumey.
3 Pack Reading Glasses, Amazon
Amazon
If you’re the type that’s always misplacing your glasses, these readers from Amazon are for you. They come in a pack of three, so you’ll always have a spare. Or, you can keep a pair where you always know you use them, like in your car, by your bed, and in your purse for on-the-go situations.
Amelia E. Calm Reading Glasses
GlassesUSA
Can decide between a pattern or solid color? Get the best of both worlds with this pair of peepers: The front of the frame is a solid color, but the arms are tortoise patterned. These tick all of Nemser’s boxes because they’re a popular shape and are made from a colorful acetate frame, allowing you to try out a trend without sacrificing quality.
Robert Marc Metropolis Reading Glasses
Robert Marc
These are a splurge, but if you wear glasses 24/7, they may be worth the cost. Katie has these chunky frames in black, and she’s worn them non-stop lately because they go with everything and act as a bold accessory to any outfit she wears. Prefer another color to black? They also come in tortoise shell, teal, and a clear gray color.
